Chicago Star kicks off summer in style at Mariano’s Lakeshore East

Chicago Star celebrated the season in spectacular style with a party at Mariano’s Lakeshore East, bringing together nearly 100 friends, supporters, advertisers and future partners on a perfect summer day atop Mariano’s spacious rooftop overlooking the park.

The weather was as sunny as the smiles as guests savored Mariano’s legendary hospitality along with delicious food and drinks, all expertly organized by Amanda Puck and her outstanding team: Nallely Silva, Lucy Gutierrez, Chef Pat Sang and others who made the event shine.  

The lively crowd mixed, mingled and danced to the beats of DJ Inc. Speakers included Mariano’s/Roundy’s VP of Communications and Brand Development, Amanda Puck, who welcomed the crowd and hosted the event. Editor and Publisher Elaine Hyde shared an inspiring story of Chicago Star’s beginnings and Associate Publisher Candace Jordan (this author) highlighted the paper’s ongoing mission and current stats. Elaine’s son William charmed the audience with memories of helping his mom when the website was just a humble newsletter, while young actor Vikram Konkimalla, who played Tiny Tim in Goodman Theatre's "A Christmas Carol," added heartfelt words about his passion for Chicago Star.

Guests included Barb Harrington, Will Harris, Paul Iacono, Bonnie and Jim Spurlock, Nick Harkin, Jessica George, Tina Gravel, Kathy Mondelli, Debi Catenacci, Sherrill Bodine, Randy Montesinos, Jamie Gabala, Nick Pullia, Bobbi and Matt Arnoux, Almira Yllana Martin, Giovanna Krozel, Karen Peters, Chuck Frank, Lou Rago, Kristina Kinder, Adam Houston, Sylvia Perez, Lisa Fielding, Troy and Elizabeth Mairs, Doris Davenport, Nick Orrico, Wayne Harth, Curt Rose, Maggie Baczkowski, Elizabeth Bertucci, Amina Sergazina, Margaret Laing, Chuck Jordan, William Hyde, Michaela Wilson, Annalisa Wilson, Noreen Heron, Bob Oswald, Lisa Huber, Lauren Lein, Jon and Andrew Landan, Anthony Martorina, Dorothy Dziubasik, Dennis Minkel, Michael Kutza, Michael Caputo, Caroline Chabata, Alicia Thanos, Andrew Johnson, Daniel Wirt, Mike James and many more. 

Thanks to supporters like these, Chicago Star now reaches over 1.1 million impressions every month - and growing! We’re proud to be the “People’s Paper,” dedicated to bringing you positive news you can use.

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